Jill Biden Tests Positive for Covid; Moderna Announces Boosters Effective Against New Variant
Jill Biden, the wife of US President Joe Biden, has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing “mild symptoms”, according to a statement from the White House on 4 September. This news comes as Covid cases continue to rise across the country, with experts urging Americans to take precautions such as wearing masks.
In related news, Moderna, the pharmaceutical company, released a statement on Wednesday stating that their updated boosters are expected to be effective against the new BA.2.86 variant, also known as “Pirola”. This variant has caused concern among doctors due to its highly mutated nature and its resemblance to the Omicron variant.
The new variant, which has over 30 mutations to its spike protein, is said to be worrisome by infectious disease specialist Dr. Scott Roberts. He emphasized the significant shift in mutations compared to previous variants and expressed concern about its potential impact.
In other developments, Republican senator J.D. Vance of Ohio introduced a bill called the “Freedom to Breathe Act”, aiming to ban mask mandates on flights and in schools. However, this move has been criticized by infectious disease experts who argue that it is merely political pandering.
Meanwhile, President Biden continues to test negative for Covid following his wife’s positive test. The White House announced that Jill Biden will isolate in their home in Delaware, while the president plans to proceed with his upcoming visits to India and Vietnam.
Canada is also facing rising Covid cases, prompting government officials to urge the public to take precautions to slow the spread of the virus. With the fall season approaching and people spending more time indoors, health authorities are stressing the need for vigilance.
In New York, the state government will provide test kits and masks to school districts in response to the increase in Covid-19 cases. Governor Hochul recommends following CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of students and prevent outbreaks.
The latest CDC data reveals rising hospital admissions from Covid infections in various parts of the US, including Florida, Alabama, Montana, Texas, and Wyoming. This emphasizes the urgency of taking preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Lastly, former First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Mateer testified that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton used the state’s Covid response plan to benefit a campaign donor. Paxton is currently facing 16 counts of official corruption and is accused of misusing the response plan for personal gain.
As the country deals with these developments, it is crucial for individuals to remain cautious and prioritize public health measures to protect themselves and others from the ongoing threat of Covid-19.